Russell Hook releases the first toutouwai (NI robin) onto Urupukapuka IslandLots of native species in New Zealand will not cross water, hence the need to reintroduce; this includes birds, such as kiwi, takahe, saddlebacks and tieke, reptiles such as tuatara, skink and geckos, and endangered plants, such as Cook’s scurvy grass and local species of kakabeak.

Over time, these introductions, in conjunction with the broader restoration programme, have the potential to help create a thriving native island ecosystem. We look forward to the natural regeneration of a diverse forest and numerous sea birds which, together, sustainin an abundance of invertebrates, land birds, reptiles and plants.

Species proposed for reintroduction include those once typical of the area (e.g. North Island brown kiwi, pupuharakeke/flax snail), ecologically important species (e.g. sea bird species that introduce marine nutrients into the island ecosystem), as well as threatened species (e.g. tuatara, takahē, Cook's scurvy grass).